Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Aaaaand he's back!

Poor Tom!  He's back home already.   I was in the middle of reading the kids a bedtime story when he called and said he was almost home.   Seems the county decided to pull them after getting reports of workers getting food and urine thrown at them.   None of the workers that were there know what incident they are talking about.   They said most people were appreciative that they were there although there were a few bad apples.   I guess Tom's crew went to the NJ/Penn border and waited for the first crew to meet up with them.   It's all the information I have since I was asleep before he walked in the door and all we had time to say today was Good Morning, Try to have a good day and I love you.   I'm sure I'll hear more tonight when he gets home.  

Today is the rare occasion where I have the house totally to myself.   All the school kids are at school, Luke is housesitting for Pat and Alex who are due home tomorrow, Val is in Buffalo at a meeting for work and won't be back until this evening, and Drew, Allison and Meghan won't be moving back in from my parents' house until tomorrow.   So until noon when I have to go pick up Carrie from school....I am allllllll alone!   I am enjoying the silence at the moment.  It may start to drive me batty though soon.   What I really want to do is take a nap and get rid of this headache that's starting before it gets too big.  BUT this place is falling down around me and needs some TLC.   But first.....coffee!  

Can I just say......I am so glad that today is election day!   I am so sick of my phone ringing off the hook with  election related calls.   I was on the verge of burying the house phone in the backyard yesterday!  

A few of us have had some fun taking the Love Language Assessments .   It's the premise that people feel/show love in 5 different ways, some types are more fulfilling/stronger then others.  You take the assessment test of 20 or 30 questions and it lets you know which type you speak the best.  They are...
Words of Affirmation
Quality Time
Receiving Gifts
Acts of Service
Physical Touch
I wasn't surprised by mine....Physical Touch was the run away leader with 11pts, then Quality Time (7) and Acts of Service (6).  Words of Affirmation got 4pts and Receiving Gifts got 2.     Although I think I show love differently. In my mind how I show love would be Physical Touch, Acts of Service and then gifts.  Eileen was also strong in Physical Touch while Olivia was strong in Gifts.   I thought Olivia's would be Acts of Service, although it was her second strongest one.   Then again this is the girl who used ALL my Christmas wrapping paper to make people presents every day when she was 4yo.   Not only that what I'm viewing as acts of service (cleaning and helping)  could be seen as a gift too.    Can you take a guess as to which one I'm pretty sure is Tom's least strongest language?   Yep, Touch.   I know it and have for a long time......he'd rather use his actions or words.   It took a long time for me to figure it out and a lot of hurt feelings.  Even now I have to remind myself that it's just not on his radar to hug me out of the blue and to really appreciate it when he does.   Or to go ask him for one when I need it!   For him I think Acts of Service would be his highest with Words being second.  (he hasn't done the assessment...just my opinion)   Maybe I'll see if he's interested in taking the quiz tonight.  

Well this isn't getting anything done.   My bathrooms are screaming at me and the kitchen is threatening to relocate to the livingroom if things don't improve in there.   What I really want to do is go in my room, find some yarn and start crocheting my soon to be born grandson's shower gift!!! Hmmm what can I get done in the 45mins before I have to leave? 

Monday, November 05, 2012

He's on his way

Tom got the call that he was leaving for NYC at 5 this morning just before I went out the door to work the dome yesterday.   It was SO hard to leave.  He had so much to do and I wasn't going to be there to help him.   I told him that I'd go shopping for food for him after I got home but he decided to go after dropping Val off at work.   He also found someone else to take his oncall for him since he didn't want to be going into work at 2am and having to be there again at 5.   He knows he'll be getting very little sleep this week and sleep is important to him.   Now that everything is all said and done I REALLY wish I'd just said forgetaboutit and stayed home like I wanted.   Tom was in bed by the time I got home.    Darn you late workers who left early and made it so we had to stay the whole time!!!!  I guess it's really my fault for thinking how things would/should go ahead of time and being disappointed that it didn't go as planned.   My new plan was to get up with Tom this morning but somehow he managed to get out of bed without waking me.    I didn't even get to say good-bye to him!  :o(    It's time like these that I wish he had texting abilities (county won't allow them to use it on their work phones).   I miss him already.  It's going to be a loooong week.

Eileen and Olivia did a pretty fine job of holding down the fort while I was gone.   They gave Sean and Danielle baths, cut Danielle's (and Olivia's) bangs, and were having tuna fish on crackers for dinner when I walked in the door.   Then I had to walk back out the door to pick up Val from work and Carrie from my BIL's house.   And wouldn't you know it but I went through a red light on the way home!   I don't know how  or why I did since I drive through there a bazillion times a day.    All I know is that I heard Val very calmly say...a red light and realized...oh yeah that's what I'm looking at.  I was already half way through the intersection when I slammed on my brakes.   Luckily it was when it was and there wasn't any trafffic around. And that the police were going in the opposite direction with their lights flashing a minute before that.   I was very glad to pull into the driveway, grab the kids and hop into bed!

Ahh it's getting light outside and I see a dusting of snow!  BRRRR!   I am not ready for this but I guess I'll have to be since there's a Nor'easter coming up the coast this week. (poor Tom and  NYC!)   I haven't heard what it's suppose to be bringing us yet so maybe we'll luck out.   Tom not so much though.  Last I knew he was going to be in the Coney Island/Brooklyn area.   I just looked on a map from Fri and they say those areas will be without power until the 11th!   I hope that's an overestimate and that this new storm doesn't undo what the repair crews have already done.  

Hmmm why does it take me so long to write here?    It's been over 3hrs since I started.  Just color me distracted.   The kids have now gone to school except Carrie who says she has a really bad headache......again.   At noon I'm taking Val to the thruway exit to meet some coworkers.  They are headed to Buffalo until tomorrow evening, so a little break from driving for me.  Of course I still have to go into the city since we're out of milk and I have to exchange Eileen's knee pads for volleyball.   We bought the more expensive ladies' version since they seemed thicker but they're too tight for her.   No one on the team wanted to trade her so back to the store they go.   And of course I don't have a receipt so we'll see how that goes.   I'll probably end up taking the less expensive ones for the price I paid for the original ones.  Oh well.

Guess I'm getting off here and getting something done.   I was thinking it would be nice if I could have our bedroom straightened up for Tom when he comes home from NYC.    Now if only I could figure out a way to make the work I've done in my head count....it would be done already three times over.    


Saturday, November 03, 2012

Head Spinning

   


That's how things seem to be around here lately.   My calendar for November is filled to bursting with things being added on daily.   Carrie needs to be picked up daily from school, Eileen made the middle school volleyball team so there are practices to be picked up from after school and games to attend.   Val's still working with me driving and at times Liz grabs a ride with her when it works out.   I'm working concessions at the Syracuse University Dome for our church fundraiser a few times a week which makes all of the above even more mind boggling.   Carrie still isn't feeling 100% so has had a few extra doctor appts thrown in there.    My parents are due back from there trip today sometime so add in Drew, Allison and Meghan starting to move back in.  Hopefully Meghan adjusts quickly.   It'll be nice to have her here again, I've missed her.  

We made it through Sandy well although at first it seemed like we were in for a fun time.   The winds really started here about 1ish on Monday afternoon.   Tom and I had gone away for the night Sunday night to an area casino.  (room was comped)  Work called him a few times on Monday and finally asked him to come in at 11pm and run the overnight shift, so we cut our time out short so he could get home and take a nap.   We walked in the door just before 3.   I noticed we were out of drinking water so ran to the church conference center to fill up our jugs.  The lights went on and off quickly while I was there.  We unloaded the car of water and I started barking orders to the kids that had just gotten off the bus.  Less then 15mins later our power was out and not coming back.   GRRRR!   I wasn't ready!   Luckily it came back on some time between 6 and 6:30.     We worked like gangbusters to whip this place in shape and get everything ready.   Wouldn't you know it...the power stayed on for the remainder of the storm.   Fine by me but you know if we hadn't done a thing it would've been off for days!

Tom got really excited on Tuesday when it was announced that his shop was sending a crew down to NYC to help out.   Unfortunately they asked the person who was already on call if he wanted to go and he did.   I was on the verge of crying when I found out Tom wouldn't have the opportunity.  If only he could've gone down and seen the huge city sewers. He's such a geek!  lol   On Friday it was mentioned that they might switch out the crew this week so MAYBE Tom will get a chance to go...we're hoping at least.    Although it would be perfectly ok if the city didn't need them too, meaning things were greatly improved for the residents.

We had fun on Wednesday.  Unfortunately I don't have any pictures since it was getting too dark outside and my phone doesn't have a flash (wish I'd thought of that when I bought the thing!  oh well, live and learn). One of the best costumes I saw was a store bought inflatable Stay Puft Marshmallow man.   The best of all belonged to my own kids....Drew, Allison and Meghan...the cast of Monsters, Inc.!   Allison made the costumes and she did an awesome job!  



Here's a better one of Meghan's Boo costume




There didn't seem to be as many houses with lights on in the village this year.  It made it hard to snitch candy from the kids since they could actually count how much they had. ;o)   Oh well, I shouldn't be eating it anyways.   And for the little kids the amount they got was just enough.   Sean told me today that he has 15 pieces of candy left.

With all this craziness going on I have my eye on the 18th.   Tom and I are going back out to the casino in then since I was comped a room in November also.   We really had a nice relaxing time last time.  It didn't hurt that we came out a bit ahead so that everything (hotel, lunch, dinner, and playing) only cost us $9 plus gas money, so about $25 total.    Hopefully we'll be just as lucky this time too.  

Oh rats!  I forgot I wanted to get Alex's baby shower invitation done and mailed this weekend!!!   We're  having it December 1st at my sister's house.  Guess I'll need to stop at the store before I pick up Val from work tomorrow night.  Now to go figure out how she's getting TO work since I'll already be at the dome when she has to be there.    

See ya!

Thursday, October 18, 2012

We're home

Carrie was discharged from the hospital at 6:30.   Her test showed that things aren't perfect and could be contributing to the kidney infections.   They aren't bad enough to do anything drastic like surgery to fix it though.   So for now we leave it like it is and hope we can get to the point that she doesn't get any more infections...thinking this is all still related to the kidney stone and stent even though they are gone.    I just hope he's right because we can't be doing this every month or so.   And most of all it's not good for her kidney!

We were out the door in no time BUT we couldn't leave...my car wouldn't start!   On Monday I'd taken a shower before leaving the house and my hair was down.  So before going into the urologist's office I pulled down my visor so I could pull up my hair.  I left the visor opened with the vanity light on!  For three days!   Luckily my parents' house isn't too far from the hospital so I called Drew to come give me a jump.   We were also lucky in that didn't insist Carrie stay in the hospital until she could get in the car and that it was a really beautiful night out.   Carrie and I stood on the top of the parking garage and people watched...pretending multiple times that we were dropping things on them or making up stories about their lives.   It was one way for me to get a chance to get a kiss from Meghan.   I bought them dinner at a local place on the university for helping me out.   On the way home Carrie and I stopped to fill her prescriptions and then ran through McDs for some fries to share and a drink.   When Carrie noticed one of our school buses in the parking lot we decided to go inside.   It was the girl's field hockey team coming home from a game, so Carrie got to say hi to a few friends.

It is nice to be home.   I'm due to head out the door in 20 minutes and take Val to work.   I'm tempted to not come right home and go grocery shopping  and just let Sean and Danielle sleep in and take the day off.  We REALLY need groceries.   I could be home by 9 or 10 and then spend the day with them.   Besides Sean has gotten another cold and was coughing most of the night.   I think he might even have a bit of a fever but I'm afraid to touch him to find out because then he'd probably be up for the day!  

Well, I took Val to work and decided to go to Wegman's quick and let the kids stay home.   I ran through the store and filled my cart but then GRRRRRRRR!    I realized I'd left my cell at home and inside the case was my bank card and my license, so I wrote a check.   It came up denied!!!   I have had their shoppers club card since they were first offered 20+ yrs ago.   The reason I was denied...no check cashing privileges are attributed to my card.  HUH!?!?   It seems when they sent me my replacement card it didn't include all my privileges....I had to add them back on again.   Problem is...you need a LICENSE to add these privileges to your card!   When I explained that I was writing a check because my bank card and license were home and that I've had the account forever, that only the card was new because my old one couldn't be read anymore it fell on deaf ears.   I was given the option of using a credit/debit card (helllloooo it's at home!), them holding the cart of groceries while I went to the bank and cashed the check (no branches in the area and besides....i need my license to do that!) or to run home and get my license and proceed with the process (which would take over an hour and if I did that I wouldn't need to write a check since I could also grab my bank card!).    I ended up walking out of there without any groceries having just wasted a hour of my time and feeling a bit frustrated and like they thought I was trying to scam them.  Then on the way home I realized I was also without my coupons that I "used"!...including a buy one get one free shampoo coupon that I'd rather use at BJ's.   I'd only used it there because we desperately needed shampoo and conditioner and they didn't have any of the cheap VO5 stuff on the shelf.   So double GRRR!  

And on that note I have to leave, Val just called.   She's sick and needs me to come pick her up at work.  Never a dull moment.      

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Quick update

The urologist came in this afternoon.    Seems the cat scan didn't show any new stones so we're dealing with another kidney infection.  So we continue IV antibiotics.  We have to figure out why this keeps happening. Tomorrow they are scheduling her for a test to see if her urine is backing up into her kidneys.  As long as the test comes out ok, she stays fever free and her bloodwork supports that she's improving we should be heading home tomorrow.

Earlier tonight she started complaining of more pain in different areas.  I couldn't help but get nervous because that is how her yeast infection started last time.  Hopefully it's nothing and the rest of the night is booooring.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

This is exhausting

Carrie and I are again enjoying a fun filled vacation at the children's hospital.  She came home from Liz's on Sunday with a fever and pain in her right side.  We had a 9am post-op appt with the urologist so we sweated things out at home for the night.  Carrie slooowly walked into the office bringing along her fever of 102.   We were immediately sent to radiology to get an ultrsound.

Originally Carrie also had an appt at 10:20 at the KNOT clinic (for long term cancer survivors).  So we stopped in there already an hour late...explained things and dropped off some papers.  Then we headed back to the urologist's.   We walked in, they looked at the ultrasound and then announced they were admitting her.   Something was uttered about more stones, swollen kidney, possible blockage and cat scan but nothing definitive.

We sat in an exam room for 2+ hours waiting for her room to be ready. It wasn't too bad, Carrie napped and I spent most of the time calling and texting people trying to fix things....one needed rides to and from work, another needed shot records for their job in the morning and another had to be given instructions for the next day.  Boy, was I glad I got up in the middle of the night to throw in the 3 loads of laundry, get a few outfits for Sean and Danielle put aside and pack myself a bag...just incase.  I just wish I hadn't put off grocery shopping Sunday night.

So here we are.  Carrie had her cat scan about 10pm, is now fever free and is getting pain meds and antibiotics.  I have yet to talk to the doctor since we left their office.  It's a little frustrating.  I know they've been really busy but what is going on!?!?  I'm pretty sure she has stones because the sono tech slipped and asked something about them.  When she realized I didn't have knowledge of them she tried to cover herself.  Which sucks since it's purely a legal cover your butt thing (and I'm not blaming the tech...it's society's fault).

As far as I know things are going ok at home.  Luke managed to send Danielle to school with her library book and Sean with his snack.  Oh crap!!!  I JUST realized that today was Danielle's day to bring in a snack for the whole class!!!!  Ugh!!!!  And here I was thinking everything was covered.  Hopefully her teacher has a back up plan.  I know she'll understand, it just makes me sad to think of those kids with grumbly tummies if there's no back up.

Speaking of grumbly tummies, Carrie is up from her nap and it's time for lunch so gonna end this.  I'll try to keep things updated here.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Field Trip



I chaperoned my first field trip today.  It was a trip to the apple orchard with Danielle's class.   I was given 3 kids to take care of, Danielle, a little guy I know from church, Timmy and N.  Mrs G whispered....do NOT take your eyes off of N for a second.   Oh great!  Within a minute of introducing myself to N her mother showed up to go with her so it was only Danielle and Timmy for me.   Easy Peasy.



Those kids...OMGoodness I just wanted to take them all home in my pocket!   Although on the way home I decided I didn't want to be a bus driver when I grew up.   The responsibility would weigh pretty heavily over me and those kids can get a bit crazy after being cooped up all day.  We had a lot of fun  and ate some yummy apples.  Timmy was a sweetheart as always and Danielle didn't want me to go home without her.   We were back before lunch and they had work to do so I promised I'd pick her and  Sean up at the end of the day.   So everything was good after that.

WHY do I have to make things so difficult for myself?   Tomorrow is a Dome day.  Oh well so much for not letting posts sit.   I wrote this on the 4th!    Not only did I do Dome day but have also done 2 more.  The One World Concert with the Dalai Lama was Tuesday and tonight was Orange Madness which is a pep rally for the men's and women's basketball teams.    

For some reason I've had very little sleep the last few days.

Tuesday...One World concert until 1am, got into bed after 3am
Wednesday...Up at 6:30am, into bed with the little ones at 8pm
Thursday...Up at 4am, into bed shortly before the following 4am
Friday...Up at 6:30am (Sean made sure of that), running errands all day, home at 2:15pm and into bed for half an hour nap, night at the dome and now here I sit (1:15am)

WHY!?!?!     I should be sleeping like a rock, yet I'm sitting here probably babbling unintelligibly while watching mythbusters on netflix with Jake.


I am sooo glad that there is nothing going on tomorrow and Val doesn't have to work.   I'm hoping both Danielle and Sean sleep in although I don't think Sean is capable.  I so wanted to keep them home with me today but then I remembered that I had running around to do.   Sean being up and attem before the sun helped decided to send them.   Plus it seems like they've missed a good bit of school.  They keep coming down with little illnesses.  Danielle had a fever all day and well into the night last Saturday.   They have sore throats and headaches.   I  finally took Jake into the dr's Wednesday since he was coughing constantly.   At the last second I decided to bring Carrie in  for a throat culture.   Then I ran home....grabbed Olivia, Danielle and Sean...headed back to the dr's and  had their throats swabbed too.  Yesterday the call came in, they all have the some germ that they COULD fight themselves but the dr is willing to treat.   Since it seems it's been ongoing for a while I decided to treat them all, except for Danielle....she's negative.   The dr wants to see Sean in 3 to 6wks to recheck his lungs and ears.   I'm ok with that because I wanted Sean's ears retested since he failed the hearing/tympanogram during his kindergarten checkup.  

Last weekend I had all these plans to get things done but manage to not get one single thing done.  Not this weekend, I just want to chill and have fun hanging out together.    Now were to do I hire a mom so I really can spend the day doing nothing?    I guess I should attempt to get into bed if I don't want to have to fight my eyelids all day tomorrow.   They're finally getting a bit heavy now.   NIGHT

 

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Oh come on!

I went to bed with Sean and Danielle last night and now I'm up and it's only 2am!   It's going to be a looong day today whether  it's a busy one or not.   I guess I should've known my idea to sleep in and get 10 or 12 hours of sleep was a pipe dream.   My body (or is it my brain because it was going a mile a minute while I'm laying in bed tossing and turning) must hate me.  I don't know why I keep thinking it would be nice to sleep past 7am.   I know if I did then I'd feel like I'd wasted my morning (not that I don't anyways)....BUT it would be nice to do on occasion!

I've decided that pants are like socks and shoes...they give me the heebie-jeebies.  I haven't worn a pair of real pants in quite some time.   I've had sweat pants and currently own one pair which I am wearing at the moment.   But I haven't had pants and especially jeans since Val was a baby.   A friend of my mom's gave me a bag of clothes that didn't fit her anymore and there were a pair of nice black stretch denim jeans in it.  I figured it would be more practical to work around here and at the dome wearing jeans then a skirt, so I decided to give them a try.   They fit ok, I didn't need to suck in to button them (or lay down on the bed and wrestle the button into the button hole like I use to when I was a teen).  I didn't like the bumps and bulges that were very obvious with them on but that's reality.  I decided to wear them with a tunic that ended midthigh and concealed some of that reality and felt it didn't look bad after all.   So out the door I went to pick up Val and run through Wegman's for some milk and such.   OH MY GOODNESS!   By the time I was midway through the store my thighs were irritated beyond belief.  I couldn't wait to get home, rip them off and get my skirt back on.   I don't know if it was that my thighs were too big for the size or if it was because it was stretch denim and made to be snug or if it's just me being a freak.   I had a good giggle as I was changing, remembering my paternal grandmother.   She always wore skirts.  Her kids would buy her pant suits and such for Christmas and birthdays, trying to get her to "get more modern and practical".   She'd put them on but never keep them on long, complaining that they felt funny and were uncomfortable.  

This weekend is our church's fall conference.  Yesterday morning Luke, Jake and I worked the breakfast shift at the grill.  Olivia had spent the night at Della's so that left Eileen home with Danielle and Sean.   Tom dropped them off before the first morning meeting.  When Danielle walked into the kitchen I had a...your mother must be having a baby, on vacation, obviously not home moment.    Eileen couldn't find a brush so decided the next best thing would be to straighten Danielle's hair and finger comb it into some clips and a ponytail.   Now I admit I really really don't care for the straightened hair look on Danielle anyways.   But this....   Sorry Eileen I know you were trying.  The girl needed a brush and needed it bad!   I'm not sure what happened by the time I was finished in the kitchen but eventually her hair ended up down and looking a little better.   I had to take a picture and send it to Liz.


Then I had to send her one of Sean



I always forget that I have a camera on me at all times.   I was hoping I'd take more pictures with the excuse of forgetting my camera taken out of the equation but it hasn't happened.  I really have to try to remember more.  

Hmmm, just realized it was after 5 (got distracted) and I was feeling I could go for a nap.  That I had an hour until it was time to start getting the kids ready for school.  Then I remembered...it's Sunday!  I could sleep in. LOL  Guess I'll try to lay down for a while.   See ya!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Wasting time

I seem to be pretty good at wasting time lately.  Actually not lately, I've always been good at it.   It's now just obvious because all my excuses are gone for the day.    It's beautiful out....I was going to go for a walk...but I haven't.   It's the day before payday...I was going to plan out my shopping list....but I haven't.   My kitchen is less then sparkling...but here I sit.   My bathrooms need some TLC...later.   I did manage to get some laundry in...woohooo! Go me!  I really have no idea why I'm doing this.   I'd blame it on depression but depressed over what!?!?   I WANT to get back to crocheting, but I'm not sure where my hooks are.   I WANT to get my (actually Liz's) sewing machine out, but it's still in a pillowcase on the kitchen floor.   Can someone send over a case of dynamite PLEASE!  

This weekend is going to be a busy one.   We have our fall conference at church so most of the kids and I will be gone.   Tom is on call so not much help in the driving department, luckily Val has Saturday off.   Matt's  (Val's boyfriend) grandmother passed away yesterday so there will probably be a wake we'll have to attend.  Liz, AJ and their roommate found out on Monday that they have to be out of their apartment by Sunday and asked for help moving/cleaning.  You wouldn't think it was a surprise since their lease runs out at the end of Sept. BUT  They were in the middle of negotiating a 5 month extension since AJ's original start to basic training was set for April.    Then his contract came with the date pushed up to the end of January.  Luckily they hadn't signed anything because their landlady said NO to a 2 month extension instead....5 months or they're done.   So they are done and moving into AJ's parents' house.   That means Liz won't have a way to get to Chipolte's and can't give them 2wks notice.   She's trying to get back into the nursing home in the small city where she worked before moving out.   She also has a possibility of watching a baby for a decent amount a week.   We're both hoping the girl is still looking for a babysitter!   The money is so decent that I said I'd do it if she wasn't going to. 

The kids have been so much fun lately.   Sean has been obsessed with duplos.   Two nights ago he went to bed with a pet tiger he built.   He's always bringing me a burger or birthday cake to eat.   This morning he was building what I thought were little buildings.   Turned out they were drinks.  He managed to fill my desk with them while I was sitting here.  It killed me to MAKE them stop playing this morning bso they could get ready for school.   UGH!   I so wish they didn't have to.   But Sean balked at getting on the bus yesterday morning and I don't want to feed into that.  I could see him trying to stay home every morning if I did.

 After getting the kids on the bus I saw the composition of this and had to take a picture.



  I'm not sure why I like this picture so much.   I guess it is me...on the computer with the modem roaring and kids intermingled.   Carrie's med supplies and pill box.  The stack of school papers and coupon books, with tape to fix things.   The only 2 things missing are for the aluminum cup on the right to be replaced with my coffee cup and to have my car keys laying between the papers and the tape dispenser.   

Well the kids will start coming home in an hour.   I have to get something done including dinner since we have to go to the elementary school's open house tonight.   Adios!  

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Another week

Time is flying and I need to adjust.  It seems like I'm wasting a lot of time during the day.  At first I cut myself some slack but this is ridiculous!  All my plans to get things done with all my free time...still undone.  Then I realize the next two weekends are taken with a soccer tournament and fall conference.

Carrie is feeling like poop these days. She's only gone to school on Tuesday and I had to pick her up midday.  She slept most of yesterday and today she was still in bed when I pulled into the driveway at 12:45 (time we were suppose to be leaving for her doctor's appt) .  We were only 20 minutes late. Luckily they were running late too. The goal is to get her off some meds and see if she improves.  Wait until her antibiotic is out of her system and do a urine culture.  They also want to add the  nephrology clinic to her list of drs and want her seen asap. 

Right now I'm sitting on the floor of Liz's apartment waiting for her fiance AJ to get out of work.  They are coming home with us for a visit and then are headed to AJ's parents' house for the night.  In the morning they are headed on a roadtrip for their one year anniversary.  AJ found out he leaves for basic training the 3rd week of January.

My phone keeps ringing while I'm writing this.  Jake has lots of questions about making carrot cake.  I fell asleep last night and didn't get it done so it's his job now.  We're making it for Allison...it's her birthday today!!!!  I made her sloppy joes and pasta salad for dinner.   I'm starving!

I was so tempted to keep Danielle and Sean home today...they are soooo tired.  Sean has been falling asleep on the bus everyday.   I knew I wouldn't be home today or I might have.  It's going to be so hard to send them tomorrow.

Well we're heading out the door now.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

I tried

I was so excited last night...I could sleep in.  No school, Val doesn't go to work until 11:30 and nothing else planned for the day.  Yet here I am at 6:15, laundry in, coffee made and raring to go.  I tossed and turned for hours before getting up too.   When I first woke up it was pitch dark outside then I'd doze and see it's still not very bright out.   I was afraid of getting up and waking up the kids who had climbed into the bed last night, especially Sean.   Nothing against him, he's just an early riser and is running from the get go.   I'd thought to take a walk but it was pretty foggy out and now the clouds are pretty black.   I guess I could clean off and unfold the threadmill but that might wake someone up.  I know...excuses excuses....I have a ton of them!

So Carrie didn't need to spend the night in the hospital!  YAY!!!  I was waiting for the dr to come in soon after starting and tell me he cancelled due to an infection but he didn't.   I was getting nervous after the dr didn't come talk to me and twice the time had passed as I was told it would take.   Then I got a little slice of perspective when the dad sitting a few seats down from me started talking.  Him and his daughter had been there since Tues, her kidneys had shut down and she was on dialysis.   She was in surgery getting a biopsy done and stents placed so she could do outpatient dialysis.  Then the surgeon came in....he cancelled the surgery.  Seems they knicked  her skin to test her clotting response and she didn't stop bleeding.   Oh wow poor thing!   Recovery called me back soon after hearing that.   It was very good to see Carrie sitting up drinking water with a relatively happy face.   The dr blasted the stone and got the stent out.   He said there are still fragments to pass so she'll be in pain for a few days but it should lessen as the days go on.  He also pointed out that her ureter is very narrow even after having the stent in (treatment for narrow ureter).   So much so that he had a hard time getting his instruments in.  Not sure exactly what that means for her future, I guess we'll talk about it at her post-op appt.     While she did fine in the hospital after surgery, the way home was a bit rougher with her throwing up a few times.   She called it an early night and went to bed shortly after getting home.   Right now I'm slightly panicked as I can't seem to locate her latest bottle of antifungal pills.   Infectious disease wants her to take them for 3 weeks more,  I only have 3 days worth in her pill box.    So pill bottle hunting will be at the top of my list today.  The good thing about it is that it'll most likely prompt some cleaning/decluttering.   Unless of course Carrie wakes up and I find out she has it.    Then it's back to slob central here.  lol

I've been extremely distracted since starting this.  Sean has gotten up and has gotten in tons of lap/cuddle time.  One of the first things he said was...Can we go to Aunt Della's again!!   My sister-in-law Della picked up Danielle and Sean after school and took them to her house.   As usual they had a blast there and are raring to visit again.   I assured him he could but not right now.   To which he said...yeah when we go back to school so I can have a note to give to the teacher again.   So Thank You Della!    I also have to thank her since she stopped by Thursday night after dropping the kids off at soccer practice to ask if I wanted to go for a walk.   I was so glad she did since I'd already had the thought to finish making dinner and call her to see if she wanted to walk around the church grounds while the kids practice.  Knowing how busy it was here though I don't think I'd have ever gotten to it.  So it was nice to just drop everything, throw on my sneaks, say stay here we'll be back later and just go.   We walked for about a mile and half and talked the entire time.   I could feel it in my hips and thought I'd be sore on Friday but I wasn't.   It's given more motivation to get up and actually do it.  (I'd been complaining about knowing what I need to do but just not doing it)   She's been such an inspiration to me, even if I haven't done what I need to do yet.   If you want to visit her and be inspired too her blog is the first one on my blogroll in the sidebar.

This has become looong and is taking forever for me to finish. (2.5 hrs later)   Danielle, Jake and Tom are up now and I've been in and out of my seat at least a dozen times.    So I'm going to end things here even if I had other stuff to ramble on about.        

Thursday, September 13, 2012

I knew it

When I wrote about Sean not getting a yellow card I almost took it back, didn't want to jinx him/myself.   Wouldn't you know it, in his folder today had a note from his teacher.  It seems he had a rough afternoon with pushing in line and not cooperating with the teacher.   When I talked to him about it all he said was....Mrs P is wrong!   That note is wrong!   According to him he was pushed and fell into another kid.   OK...I might give him that.  I know it's easier to see the second act then the first so maybe what she saw was a result of a push.   I explained it doesn't address the not cooperating with his teacher.  He still insisted she was wrong.   So we talked about the next time and how there shouldn't be a next time and the consequences if there is a next time.   We also talked about stating someone wasn't telling the truth when they were and how it could have a negative effect on the person and get them in trouble.

Hi Thia! That's the thing with me....I have NO excuse.   I already have a meal/calorie plan made out.  It was the gestational diabetes guidelines I followed with Danielle.   I won't say it's easy to follow since sometimes I felt like it was a full time job.   Eating every 2.5 to 3 hrs I was either planning, thinking of, fixing food or eating.   But I know it's doable and it works!   I lost weight when I was pregnant (with dr's ok) and I felt the best I had in a looong time.   Now I just have to get off my fanny and do it, well and buy food for it too.  Right now it's the day before payday and things are looking quite carby. lol  

Hi Tammy!  I've missed blogging and my online friends too.   Thanks for sticking around (you too Thia!)  UGH on the no show real estate agent!   At least my thing is a one shot deal.   I'm hoping today the fridge will be here and I won't have to wait on them again.   I'm not holding my breath though.   Timeframe I was given ends in less then an hour.  I just want a working fridge!

So here I sit, again time is ticking.  I don't feel like I can get into any deep cleaning because the delivery people could/should be here at any second.   I do have a list to take care of before tomorrow morning since I won't be here to get things going.   Then who knows if Carrie and I will be coming home tomorrow so I probably should set up a ride for Luke and Jake to get to the Dome for fundraising on Saturday.   (decided to get that done just now....yay me!)

Liz and AJ just got back from a trip down south.  AJ's brother came home this week from Afghanistan.   On the way home AJ found out he was accepted in the Navy's nuke program!  WOOOHOOO!   Congrats AJ!   Looks like he'll be sticking around a bit longer then he thought he would.  As of now basic will start sometime around April.  

Hmmmm this thing has sat here all day without getting published.   It's now 4pm and guess what...no fridge!  I looked online and my acct says delivery is the 19th now!!!!   Guess who's on the phone looking for some heads to roll.   GRRRR!    Lovely on hold music at least.    Apparently it's a mistake.  The local delivery company coordinator was scanning things and it got put on my order.   Fridge is on the truck and scheduled between 3 and 7pm today.   We'll see.....we'll see.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Feeling a bit ungrateful

Written yesterday afternoon....

Now that I've posted my last post and gotten to work around here I'm feeling a bit like a spoiled rotten American.   Especially after having my heart drop into my stomach when I heard but couldn't see the tv in Val's room sounding off an emergency broadcast signal.   It was just a test...phew!  But BAD idea to the station manager!!!   Any other day, but NOT today.  (9/11)  To say it was a jolt and a reminder of what we have here and how some would like to take it away is an understatement.

And now today.....

I sent Sean on the bus, skipping and dancing, proclaiming.... I LOVE SCHOOL!   I'm glad he's adjusting really well.   He was happy to report last night that he hasn't gotten a yellow card which was one of his biggest fears.   PHEW!  One week down...39 more to go.  

My parents should be on the road by now.   I was tempted to call first thing this morning and see if they were gone yet but I didn't.   I wish my mom knew how to text.  She can read them but since she doesn't know how to respond she'd prefer I didn't send her any notes.   She has a really old and basic phone that makes texting hard and confusing (even for me)  so I don't blame her.   Still it would be nice to get a note saying...just crossed Ohio border and such.   I told her she needed to start a blog so  we could follow them. LOL!!!   Drew just called me.   My parents left but after 10 minutes on the Thruway they had to head back.  Seems they forgot their checkbook.    I talked to my mom while she was in the driveway.  She reported that my dad ran the first red light they came to.  One he's traveled under a zillion times in his life.   Everyone's been joking they wouldn't make it to Buffalo and my parents proved them wrong...they didn't even  make it that far!   Oh they are in for the time of their life!

I was in the bathroom this morning and the phone rang.   I missed the call and wouldn't you know it was the one phone call I was waiting for...Carrie's anesthesia interview for her surgery on Friday.   I called them back before sitting here and left a message, they just called again...one thing off my todo list.  Now I'm waiting on a call back from the Joslin Center to hear what to do with her insulin Friday morning.  Her surgery has been moved up an hour so I won't be here when the kids get ready and go to school.   Luke will be filling in for me instead.   At least Danielle is ok with doing her own hair.   The thought of Luke trying to do it makes me chuckle.   Now if we can just get through this without being admitted and anymore complications that would be awesome!  This girl needs to start feeling better...NOW!   Prayers would be appreciated.

I never called or texted  Allison to see how things were going.   I asked Drew and in typical guy fashion his answer was short, sweet and nonchalant although he mentioned they had Subway for lunch on Monday.  It's always about the food.   I could hear Meghan in the background asking if he was talking to Momma.   Awwww I miss the little squirt!

I'm having a hard time adjusting to cooking for one during the day.   It's just not worth the effort.  So I'm grabbing and snacking instead.  NOT a good thing if I want to eat healthy.   I mean 4 slices of cheese while I'm on the phone with Drew? UGH.   And I'm still hungry...or is that thirsty...or bored.   *heavy sigh*   I have to get with the program.   I was looking at pictures at my parents the other day, one of which was my wedding photo and it hit me...I am 100lbs heavier then that picture.   I don't ever expect or want to get back to that weight.  But 60lbs less would be nice, I'd even take 30 at this point.  I can't even remember the last time I was 60lb less.   I know when I was pregnant with Danielle I was about 25lbs less then I am right now.  I felt so good and healthy back then.  Time to get committed to following my gestational diabetes diet plan again, although I'm thinking of trying the original 1800 calorie one instead of the 2000 one.   Even though following the higher one would still be an improvement over what I'm doing now.   And of course there's exercising.  No excuses anymore...I have tons of free time.   Time that I seem to be wasting lately but it's there waiting to be utilized!  And it helps that Drew took his amp and speaker for his guitar out of the kitchen, allowing me to unfold the treadmill easily.   NOW DO IT!

OK..enough seat time.  Time to get something done around here!   Dinner has to be early as the kids have their first autumn activity club meeting tonight.   They are so excited!  It'll be interesting to see how it works out having it on a school night.    Have a good one!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

A whole day wasted

GRRRR!  I waited all day yesterday for my new fridge to be delivered and it never got here!   Now what am  I suppose to do?   Stay home all day today and wait again?   I have to sign for the thing and there was no exact delivery time, just Sept 10th between 6am and 6pm.   So now I'm on the phone with the delivery company while they try to figure out what happened to yesterday's deliveries.  

The kids were so excited to be getting a fridge.  For the last month or so we've been using the freezer for the fridge while I got up the guts to hit the checkout button on such a costly purchase.  It only took about 5 shopping sessions before it actually happened.  What they're really excited about though is the ice maker!!!!   We've never had one and we're all ice crunchers.   Danielle can't wait to use the ice cream machine I bought her for her birthday .

DOUBLE GRRRR!   Off the phone and not happy.   Apparently the local shipping company didn't have my paperwork.   Nothing came with the fridge.  So you have a fridge with no instructions on it.  Didn't anyone think....we should find out what to do with this!?!?!?  According to them they couldn't even print off my slip because it's "waiting on credit approval".   Ummm the thing has been paid for since the 31st....you got it at your warehouse on the 5th.   But I guess that's not necessarily true either, even though my tracking info says so.   Then lo and behold while on the phone someone told her they do have it there.   Now I can't get it until Thursday.   Talk about a total let down.  And I'm going to have to be home again all day on Thursday.  I have a call into the company I purchased this from.  I feel there's no way I should be charged the full $100 shipping fee after all this.  Now I'm waiting to hear from the customer reps supervisor who's due in at noon.

Oh well, to be honest I can't call it a total waste of a day.  I did manage to get some work done around here between running Val to and from work and looking out the window to see the if the imaginary truck was pulling in.  The shower I don't even use is cleaner as is the bathroom.  I threw some bedding in the wash so that piles a tad bit smaller.  Since I won't be looking for any trucks or driving today maybe I can get even more work done.   Right now the livingroom is bugging me and the perpetual pile of dishes in the sink is demanding some attention.   I've been starting to think about crocheting and sewing for Christmas.   No set plans but once I get things done here I can concentrate on that.   My thought is to try and deep clean one area a day.  By the end of the week my place should be halfway decent.  (not including my bedroom...I think that'll take more then a day)

Schoolwise we seem to be doing ok.   Everyone has gotten up and gone everyday.   Sean is starting to learn the names of his classmates.    He really seems to enjoy going and the structure of it...something sorely lacking here.   Danielle is adjusting to having homework almost every day.  It's usually just a quick paper but it's hard for her to not get distracted.  Plus once or twice we've forgotten about it until almost bedtime which doesn't help with concentration.  One day Sean wanted to do homework so we erased Danielle's seatwork from class (almost the same paper she had for homework) and let Sean go at it.  He thought he had gotten a treat. Reminds me of how Drew would check his math homework by having Pat do the problem too...if their answers matched, it was right.

Me home alone wise....I seem to manage wasting time just fine thankyouverymuch! lol   I went and visited with Della on Thursday and then out to lunch with some friends from church on Friday.  (not that those were wastes of time).   I really need to crack down on myself here.   No more wasting so much time online.    I need to get things done and be productive!   I'm thinking of applying for a job at the local grocery store after Carrie's surgery and medical issues are done.   Optimally I'd work 10am to 2pm (maybe 3) on the weekdays only but I know that's probably not going to happen.   Speaking of work,  I wonder how Allison's first day of training went and how things are going staying with my parents.  (who leave for their trip tomorrow!)  I'll have to text them when I get off here.  

Carrie surgery is set for this Friday morning.  Prayers would be appreciated....no only for the surgery but that she can stay healthy this week and not postpone this thing.   Thanks.   And now to get something done around here.  Have a great day everyone!   

Wednesday, September 05, 2012

Wow that was fast

I couldn't get over how fast the day went.  I also couldn't believe how little I actually did...one bathroom cleaned and a few dishes done.   *heavy sigh*    I sat at the computer way too long.  I'll cut myself some slack but can't let it become status quo.   I won't be getting much done around here today either other than lots of driving.   I've already driven Val to work, then at 1 I have to drive into the small city to pick up Carrie at her school.  From there we head into the big city for her doctor's appointment.  Then back to the small city to pick up Val and then home.  The gas companies love me.

I have to admit...my mind has been bringing me places I really don't want to go in terms of Carrie and how she's faring.    The constant nausea and vomiting really has me worried.  When is losing weight too much for a system and when do you step in and do something for it and what is that something?   Last night I almost convinced myself it wasn't the medicine that was making her throw up that it was the size of the pills/food.  That she probably has an obstruction...really read cancer.   I know my friend who is an esophageal cancer survivor got that look on his face when I mentioned what was going on with Carrie eating wise.  Stupid mind!!!   Like the girl hasn't been gone over with a fine tooth comb a bazillion times already.  Still, it sucks to have that at the back of your mind every time something wrong goes on for longer then you think it should.

Anyways back to reality here.   The kids all seemed to have had a good first day.   When asked if he met anyone Sean said yes, lots of people.   When asked who he played with he said....EVERYONE!  Just don't ask him anyone's name. lol    Danielle wasn't as excited to be back as Sean was but I've seen that before in 1st graders.  It's an adjustment to being a big school girl now.    She still had fun and was eager to get ready this morning.   Olivia is excited that she has her cousin in a lot of her classes.    Eileen complained of a slight stomachache all day and still had it this morning.   I thought...oh great here we go, but she went to school no problems.   Jake  was Jake and everything was hunky dory.    Carrie had a lot of running around to do and was exhausted.  She's anxious to get her hands on the little kids (she's taking an early childhood education course at the occupational center).  

I've come to realize.... it's all me.   The ADD type actions from me aren't because I have ALL THESE KIDS distracting  me or demanding my attention.  Even home alone I seem to flit from task to task forgetting what I was originally doing and leaving it half finished.   Who knew.  So my apologies to my kids, it's not you, it's me.   lol

Awww, my coffee cup is empty.  Guess that means it's time to get up, switch laundry over and get something done before I have to go out the door in 2hrs.   Have a great one.          

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

A new era begins

Today was the first day of school here and I just sent my baby to Kindergarten!  Waaahhhh!    The silence here is deafening.   I thought I'd enjoy having some time to concentrate on myself but I'm finding myself a bit lost already.  Here's some pictures....


1st trip kids
Carrie, Jake, Eileen and Olivia
Sean showing his excitement for the day.


2nd trip kids
Danielle and Sean paying more attention to 
each other then mom and the camera


Danielle and Sean sitting on the porch waiting for the bus.


I told Meghan I was going to be bugging her all day because I didn't have anyone else to bug.    But they'll only be here for a few more days.  On Saturday they are going to my parents' house for 6 - 8 wks.  They're housesitting while my parents take a cross country trip to celebrate their 50th anniversary.   My parents are traveling west along Route 20, going south along the western coastline, east along Route 66 and then  head back north to home.   No set itinerary, no time restraints...just go when and where they feel like it.   I hope it's as relaxing, fun and exciting as it sounds to be.  

Other news for Drew and Allison is...Allison is starting a new job as a bank teller...part time...training starts Monday.  Drew is still looking for a job so he'll be watching Meghan.  Once he gets a job then I think I'll be watching her.  Oh poor me.  lol  In April I announced that Drew and Allison were expecting.  Unfortunately it wasn't to be, Allison had a miscarriage.  :o(    Hopefully they'll be expecting another new blessing in the very near future....maybe by the time they move back in here.  *fingers crossed*  

I don't think I've shared here that Pat and Alex are expecting!  They're due in the middle of January and just found out they are having a boy.   I told Pat that I can't wait to meet Dylan.  I don't think he thought it was as funny as I did.  When I was pregnant for Sean, Pat kept insisting his name was going to be Dylan and he was going to call him Dylan even if we didn't name him that.   For a few weeks Alex (who had just started dating Pat) thought Sean's name was Dylan...until we set her straight.   Karma sucks.  ;o)

More exciting news I haven't shared yet...Liz is engaged!   A wedding date is up in the air and will probably happen with very little notice.   Her fiance has joined the Navy and is waiting to find out when basic training starts.  They'll either be getting married between basic training and the start of school (very narrow window of time) or once he starts school.   He has to find out the logistics of everything first....and whether he's been accepted into the nuke program.  

Even with Drew, Allison and Meghan gone I won't be home alone.  Luke will be here during the day since he isn't employed at the moment.  He's been working sporadically for family but nothing lately.   He's trying to decide between actively seeking employment or working at our church while they're doing major construction.   I'm hoping he picks the church work.   Then there's Val, she's gone most of the time since she's working full time at Total Tan still.  NO she is not driving and YES I knew that it was probably a farfetched idea to think she'd have her license by the start of summer.   Now I'm shooting for the end of fall.  I really don't want to drive in the snow!   Now to motivate those around me to see that it gets done.  It won't take her long to get her license since she does drive her boyfriend's car occasionally.   It's just finding the time to refine her skills that's the problem.

So everyone asks...What are you going to do now that everyone is in school?   I'm looking around the house and seeing a LOT that I can do.   Then it hits me...I have no excuse for not having a spotless house now...At least until the bus pulls up in the afternoon.   It should stay clean once I get it clean.   Now how truly lazy I am will be revealed.  Although I do have grand plans...walks and swimming at the rec center, eating healthier, completing exercise videos that have been collecting dust, etc.   No...no employment or schooling plans for the near future.   I'd like to enjoy this new era of my life a bit and give us all a time to adjust before I think about those.  Plus our church main fundraiser, working a concession stand at the Carrier Dome is starting.  There's NO WAY I could work and give as much time as I wanted toward that venture.  Of course if I really needed to work, that'd be a different story.  Another income would be nice and help alleviate some things around here although it isn't imperative.  We'll see how things stand after the first of the year and with the start of the Spring college courses.

Oh I need to update on Carrie.  I wish I could say she is doing well but she's not.  The poor thing has had a horrible summer.   She's on major antifungal medicine and her system isn't dealing with it well.  It's making her have no appetite and throw up....even with tons of Zofran in her.  She's lost 20lbs since this whole thing started and looks like crap.  Sorry but there's no other way to put it.  It's very obvious she doesn't feel well.  We can't stop or lower the meds or the yeast infection flares up.  Even if she misses a dose it does.   We're walking a thin rope in a vicious circle. If the yeast isn't controlled she can't have the kidney stone blasted and the stent remove.   And it's the stone and stent that are feeding the yeast back into her system.   To add insult to injury she's dealing with a bacterial infection again too.  And again she's having a hard time keeping the antibiotics down.   There's been talk of going to option B which is to keep her inpatient with IV meds until everything is cleared for the timeframe they want it cleared (weeks).   So keep her in your prayers please.

Now I must extract my rearend from this chair and get some things done around here.     Hope everyone has a good day.   

Thursday, August 02, 2012

So what's been going on

It's been a bit busy here medically.  I took Carrie to the small city ER for what I suspected to be appendicitis.  Turns out it was a kidney stone.  We were going over discharge orders when Carrie decided she didn't want to leave and had a seizure.  We ended up being transferred to the big city hospital and staying 3 days.

After 2 wks she was doing so well that we assumed she passed the stone and we missed it.   An appt with the urologist proved us wrong.  A plan was made to come in a week later and they'd take care of the stone.  Again Carrie didn't get the  memo and decided things would be different.  3 days later we were back in the hospital with a kidney infection.  She left the hospital 3 days later with a shiny new stent installed and an appt in Sept to deal with the stone and remove the stent.

I took a side trip to the ER with Liz 3 days after Carrie's discharge due to a migraine that ended up lasting 10 days. 

Which brings us to now. Carrie has had times where she doesn't feel well and runs a low grade fever. On Sunday it was happening again. By evening though her fever was over 102 and she was in a lot of pain. Then I found out she hadn't peed all day and my mind was made up....we weren't waiting for office hours to start....we were heading to the ER. It was quickly decided it was another kidney infection and we were admitted again. I figured a day or two of IV meds and we'd be home. Again Carrie had other plans. Monday night she started getting new belly pains that were pretty bad. By Tuesday night she was so bad that I was expecting to be transferred to the picu. Her nurses were BUSY! It seemed like every time they came in we were adding something else onto the complaint or problem list. Wednesday morning it was decided her kidney infection was a yeast infection. It had also wrapped itself around her gallbladder, filled her pelvic cavity with fluid, and gone under, around and into her right lung (its her right kidney). It's amazing how much better she felt after a dose or two of Diflucan. But she wasn't progressing as quickly as they thought she should....so in stepped infectious disease. They upper her dosage and kept her antibiotic going, just to cover her in case the yeast wasn't the only thing she was dealing with. Her belly issues seemed to resolve quickly after the increased dosage. Her lung stuff is still making its presence know but less so. So the plan is, get examined when she wakes up (it's Monday morning now). If thing haven't changed, her meds will be switched to oral ones and they'll be kicking us out the door! Now lets hope Carrie got THAT memo.

Here I sit

I'm sitting in a hospital room with who else but poor Carrie.   We've been here since late Sunday night. Its the third time in a little over six weeks that we've been admitted.

Right now I'm waiting for my clothes to be finished in the dryer.  Hoping that whoever left their clothes in the washer before me doesn't get mad that they can't use the dryer when they want and do something to my load.  Carrie and I both brought clothes to the ER just in case.  Just not enough.   *heavy sigh*

I can't help but keep thinking.....Poor Carrie! Why does she get ALL the medical problems of the family?  She's a trooper though and hardly complains.  Like right now a nurse is looking for someplace to poke her for her morning labs.  Even though she knows it'll probably mean getting poked multiple times since they are rarely successful plan the first attempt.

I'm extremely thankful that she's decided to have a much better day today then yesterday or even this morning.   Last night found her quite out of it.  Oxygen mask on, groaning in pain, barely responding or waking mid  sentence...mumbling nonsense from a dream. ( oh bummer!  She just threw up!)  Late this afternoon she started to be more alert and move better.
(waaaah!  Luke just texted me that Danielle woke him up with a really high fever!  Where's her mommy when she needs her)  I called home just now.  Danielle sounds pathetic and was begging me to stay on the phone.  Talk about guilt trip.  Why hasn't a cloning gun been invented yet!!!!  I made a deal with her.  She can call me back after she takes some ibuprofen.

I guess I should end this now.  Danielle'll be calling soon and the nurse should be in here any sec to do Carrier's 4am lab draw.  Oh here she comes.   Maybe tomorrow I'll have time to post more. Hi I

Friday, July 06, 2012

Playing with my new phone

I'm finally getting up to speed with technology.  I've bought myself a smart phone.  I was sick of sharing my conversations with the world since I could only hear calls on speaker phone.  Also it seems my camera no longer works.  So reasoning said a smart phone with a decent camera was a reasonable purchase.  Now if I could just get use to using the touchscreen keyboard with my huge fingers,  I'd be doing alright.  So excuse the typos please.

And now I think I 'll try posting a picture...

Hope this works.  If it does,  you will see Danielle.  She 's getting so big!


Sunday, April 29, 2012

Well that's a new one

Around here we can have dinner pretty late, especially during the summer.  But last night I hit a new late night dinner time.... 11:30!   I walked in the door, scarfed down 2 pieces of lasagna (inquired why they didn't bother to cut into the $7 of fresh bread nor touch all the fresh greens I'd bought for salad to go with it) and then fell into bed.  You'd think I'd sleep until next week but I was awake by 5:30 and finally got up at 6:30.   Meg was crying by 6:45 so I had her hang out with me.  Her mommy and daddy needed to sleep in.  They'd only had a few hours of sleep the night before and Saturday was even harder for them.  

Drew and Allison had Tom, Luke, Jake, Cory and my nephew Joey helping them load up the Uhaul.  I lucked out and only had to go to the apartment once, when I picked up Meghan.   I took Tom, Luke and Jake to the small city to pick up the Uhaul and they drove it to the apartment.   They needed to take two trips to get everything.  Their storage unit is stuffed!   I just kept thinking....I'm glad it's not me having to do this.  What would I get rid of? Keep?  How and where would you store 23yrs (in this house) and 12 kids worth of stuff?  It was pretty late when they got here to drop off things so most of their stuff is sitting in a pile in the living room.  They managed to set up Meghan's crib and throw their box spring and mattress on the floor for the night.  Right now they are enjoying (I hope) some down time with her family for birthday celebrations.   Me, I'm sitting here for a few minutes.  Already this morning I've done... 2 loads of laundry, scrubbed the entire tub and one toilet, fed and gave baths to the 3 little ones, washed dishes, and cooked egg and bagel sandwiches.   After Meghan's bath she needed a new diaper but the disposables were in the bedroom with her sleeping parents.  So I grabbed her cloth diaper and cover out of her diaper bag.  (Allison was using the disposables during the busy moving time)  It's been a loooong time since I've had to pin a diaper on a little one.  Luckily Meghan was a doll and just lounged on my lap until I was done.   Although I think I saw her roll her eyes and heard her chuckle once ;o)   Give me a few days and I'll be an old pro again.

So today I'm trying to get some semblance of order in this place.  Not only do I have the kids stuff piled high but I haven't been here in a few days and we've been moving rooms/tearing areas apart trying to rearrange things which always manages to make messes too.  Right now I'll be concentrating on the kitchen and a few storage areas that I wanted to make available for Allison to utilize.   Then there are toys I want to clean up, mostly doll house stuff that's been sitting in the closet.  I saw Meghan eyeing the tote this morning.  I think her, Dylan and Sean would have fun playing with it on Monday.   Tom just let me know his friend is coming over in a little bit to work on his riding mower that won't start.   I wish he would also work on the van.   I don't think I can fit 3 car seats across the back of the Elantra so we won't be able to go anywhere as long as Dylan is here during the day.    Who knows though, I may try it and find out I was mistaken, which would be awesome!

Well, my coffee cup is empty so I guess my break is over.   Time to switch laundry and whip the kitchen into shape again!            

Thursday, April 26, 2012

It's almost that time

Right about now 28yrs ago I was getting irritated at Tom because he wanted to watch his favorite show Jeapordy and I was in heavy BACK labor for the first time in my life.  (not that having gone through it previously makes it easier)  Thankfully he thought it through and decided it might be better to turn it off and devote his attention to me.   Almost 2hrs later Drew was born.  (his birth story).   The poor kid is dealing has to celebrate his birthday all by himself.   He's in the Catskills working until tomorrow night.    When he gets home there'll be little rest in his future, we have a busy weekend ahead of us.   I'll be spending most of it in the car.

By tomorrow night I'll have taken at least one trip to Liz's new apartment, maybe 2.   Driven Liz and Val to work and picked them up.     Gone grocery shopping.    Taken the kids to the youth meeting.   Cleaned the bedroom Drew and Allison are moving into. Cleaned the bathtub.  And the regular stuff....cooking, picking up, etc.  

Saturday starts with me taking Val to work by 7am, picking up Meghan at the apartment, getting my car loaded with stuff.   Home so the kids can empty the car and Tom can use it to go to the dump.   Then Tom, the boys and I are back in the car and back to the apartment by 11.   I get another load to take home, Tom and Drew go pick up the Uhaul.  They then fill it, take stuff that needs to go to storage to their unit and then the rest gets brought here to be unloaded.   In the meantime, I'm heading home to watch Meghan, finish the cleaning I didn't do, and make Drew Lasagna for his birthday dinner.   Val gets picked up from work at 2:30 and Liz goes in at 3:30.  Then it's back to pick up Liz at 8:30 for the last time and take her (and any stuff left here) to her apartment. Oh and the Uhaul has to be returned sometime that evening too.

The last thing we need to do is go back to the apartment Sunday night or Monday morning to clean the apartment and take pictures incase the stupid landlords try to keep the security deposit and they have to be brought to small claims court.

Tom's been busy this week setting up loft beds for the girls so rooms could be moved around.  They look cool, although I wish I'd had the time (and cooperation from the weather) to paint them before they were put up.

Well, as much as I'd like to continue the kids are wanting to read the new books I bought from the thrift store.   Maybe I'll get back here later and post about how I again aced the "mother of the year...not" award today.  


Saturday, April 21, 2012

It's stuck...

The smell of bleach is stuck in my nose and won't be leaving.  Tom treated the well and put too much in.  Now I'm afraid to do laundry for risk of bleaching everything out.   Carrie did her's and said it got some hard set stains out. lol    I keep telling everyone to hook up the pool filter and we'll throw the water in there....won't need to chlorinate it.   So what if we can't cook with it, at least it doesn't smell like rotten eggs now.   One thing that's bothered me with our water, no matter how much bleach I add to the washer, the clothes still come out looking grey.  While researching I found that it's the reaction to the BLEACH!  The thing I was adding to make it better was actually making it worse.  I saw a suggestion to use oxygenated bleach instead so maybe I'll try that.

One of the fun things about driving so much is observing life in the villages I drive through.  It's always great to see tons of people out walking, working and socializing.  It also makes me want to get some things done around here.   Now if I could work while I'm driving......I'd be all set. lol   I've decided the two things village/urban houses have over rural ones is convenience to places of importance and sidewalks.   I'm actually quite envious of people walking and biking on the sidewalks.  Oh to have a huge box of colored chalk and all the sidewalk squares you could want.  Oh well, at least I don't have to worry about keeping them cleared in the winter.

One more week until  Drew, Allison and Meghan will be living here.  I'm hoping tonight Tom and I can get the loft/bunkbeds up so people can move into their new rooms.  I'm still trying to figure out what to do with a toy bench and totes of toys.

I let myself get booted off the computer and am now in the middle of a bunch of projects.   I've decide that we'll be deviating from the meal plan and instead clean out the fridge/freezer and have a few fun things like rye bread dip and chicken wing dip.   So it'll be a snacky day.   I've torn 2 counters  and my stove apart and scrubbed them down,  cleaned the microwave and done the dishes once.  The next load of dishes is soaking and the laundry is screaming my name.  I think a few of us need some things done so we'll have clean clothes for the meeting tomorrow.    I convinced Tom to go pick up Liz and take Danielle.    I'd made a deal with Sean to help around here on Thursday to earn money so he could buy his own dorito taco on Friday.   He did and yesterday we went to taco bell and he ordered and paid for the taco himself (only thing we ordered, Liz and I just sat and watched him enjoy it lol).  So Danielle was a little bent out of shape over it.  I made the same deal with her and now it's her turn.  She's been a major bug about it all day, asking it if was time to leave.  Asking if she could go to taco bell now, etc.  She wasn't too enthusiastic about having to buy it herself but I'm sure she'll do fine.    I also gave Tom a few dollars of my birthday money so he could order one for himself.  :o)

Poor Liz, she just wants to get home and get things done.  She's packing up since Saturday is her last day of work at her old job.  She had an "interview" with the boss of the place she's suppose to be transferring to.  When she told me the hours she'd work I informed her that she couldn't do it, the buses don't run from the jobsite after 6ish (she's working until 8:30pm and AJ is usually working at that time).   We searched the bus schedules and checked cab fares ($36 a trip!?!  For a 10mile ride!?!?)  She's hoping when she calls the new place they'll have another job for her during the day time hours.  If not she'll be pounding the pavement, looking for a new job.  She's hoping she can be a waitress at one of the many restaurants that are in her area.

Oops...I thought I posted this but guess not since I found this in my drafts.   So just posting it as is right now.   Originally wrote this Saturday the 21st.   

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Thursday already!??!

Not that I'm complaining....I'm looking forward to the weekend already.  

One of the hardest things about having all these kids is watching/letting them make their mistakes and live with the consequences.  This week it was Carrie's turn.  She took her GED test all day on Tues and Wed.  She woke up Tuesday morning with a headache you knew was killing her just by looking at her.   She could barely open her eyes and they were watering.   She loaded up on Ibuprofen and when that didn't touch it, Excedrin and a cup of coffee hoping that the caffeine would help and out the door she went.   She wasn't happy when she came home.  She made a major mistake on the test and she thinks it might have caused her to fail.   She didn't finish the multiple choice reading questions, had 6 of 50 left to do but she could go back and finish it after she finished the second part which was an essay.  She decided to brainstorm and write the intro paragraph on the scrap piece of paper they provided.  The proctor reminded them that the essay was to be on the good paper to be counted.  She got the intro done and knew what the rest would be but FORGOT to move over to the good paper and kept on writing on the scrap.  She realized what she'd done when it was announced there was 10 mins left for the exam.   She'd written five paragraphs and was about to tackle the unfinished multiple choice when it hit her what she'd done.  She quickly tried to copy the essay to the good paper but only made it to paragraph 3 when time was called.  She's hoping it's enough to pass (need a 2 out of 4 score) but said it probably wasn't.   She also thought they said if they didn't finish the multiple choice it wouldn't be graded at all which makes NO SENSE to me but then I'm not the state so she could be right.  I hope not.    Luckily Wednesday was better for her.   It was also the day most of her strong subjects were being tested....Math and science.  Social studies was the other subject but not a good one for her.   So I guess we have to wait a week or two to get the results mailed to us.  I'm not sure what Carrie's suppose to be doing in the meantime and neither is she.   I guess we'll have to call the school.

I'm suppose to be cleaning up around here since I'll be getting company in an hour or so.  Meghan and Dylan (Allison's sister's son) will be coming over for the afternoon so I can babysit them.   Seems Allison has a first appointment with a MIDWIFE!!!!   Yep, I'm going to be a Grandma again!  It was the birthday present I said I had to wait for delivery of.  I was waiting for Allison to announce it on her blog but she's pretty busy right now.  It is Facebook official though so I feel ok sharing it here.   She gave me a birthday card that said "Guess What?" on the outside.    "I'm going to be a big sister soon!  Love Meghan"  on the inside.    It was the best birthday present ever!   She announced it to her family on Easter with Meghan wearing a tshirt that said I'm going to be a big sister soon on it.  She's feeling tired and icky just like a good pregnant person should.  :o)   Drew should be coming home tonight from his first week of work.    I mentioned to Tom that it's probably going to kick Drew's butt!   Allison stopped by the other night and said he sent her a picture of his blistered hands from digging holes all day his first day.   Thing is, Drew's always liked to be busy and do things so I'm sure he'll like this job.   Especially if it can help him get buff. lol

oops..a phone call and now the kids are here.   So I can't think/write more now.   

Monday, April 16, 2012

PHEW!

Finally getting to sit down to my first cup of coffee, and it's only 11:29. lol   I knew today would be hard after having over a week off but waaaah!   I want summer vacation to get here already!  And the weather doesn't help either, it's such a tease.  This morning was absolutely gorgeous!   Danielle was so concerned she'd need her jacket but eventually I convinced her it was ok to go out the door without it.   I can't wait until this weather is an everyday thing.   It kind of feels ungrateful of me to want to rush it here after the barely winter we just had but I LOVE me some summer!   Driving home from the small city with all the windows down in the car reminded me of the car trips we used to take around the lake on hot summer nights.  Oh to just be able to jump in the car and drive for the pure joy of driving.   Stupid gas prhmices!

So I'm pretty sure Drew started a new job this morning.  At least I know he was suppose to, whether he actually went to it or not I haven't a clue until I talk to Allison.  He's on the road Mon - Thurs doing refurbishing work on log homes, I think.   I'm glad that he has a new job, I'm sad that Allison will have deal with things on her own so that he can do it,  and that Drew will miss out on things.   I'm glad that she's moving in so I can help her out for a while.   Drew's work schedule is going to make moving a bit trickier.  They will be moved in within 2 wks and I have a lot to do.  When I mentioned to Tom some things I would need help with, he told me to call Drew and have him come over and help.  Not happening now.   If only my mind could do the actual work!  This place would be set straight in a heartbeat! lol    Everywhere I look I see things I need done or want todo.   Then I spend tons of mental energy doing them in my head, sometimes many many times.  Then I wonder why I'm exhausted and have no energy to do the actual project.

Of course having to drive so much doesn't help either.  I'm working on putting on 1200 miles on my car this week.   With Tom being on call, I've put on all but about 150.  *heavy sigh* So at the top of my todo list is to convince Tom it's time to find the time to teach these kids to drive!!!!  Originally we'd agreed he'd be the instructor, mostly because I always had little ones with me and that wasn't a good thing for a new driver to have to deal with.   Now it's because I've tried and  I'm not very good at it.   It's one of my faults...trying to tell someone what and how to do things doesn't come easy.  It's one of the reasons why I tend to just do things myself.  Or is the other way around?  I can't instruct because "it's easier" to do it myself?

So the rest of the list...

Make up a meal plan for this week and next
Paint and put up loft beds (3 of them)
Go lay in the grass and enjoy the warm breeze
Clean out the car
Pick up Sean and Danielle's room
Clean the large bathroom
Dishes
Straighten up my room
Put away some laundry
Clean out the sock bench
Start moving things out of Danielle and Sean's room
Paint my room
Play in the gardens
Plant some seeds
Crochet!  Crochet!  Crochet!
Patch the pool wall
Hook up the pool filter and start filling
Clear the leaves off the pool floor
wash windows, walls, cabinets, floors
And so on and so on and so on...

A funny this morning.  Sean was outside with Danielle while she waited for the bus.  As she was getting on the bus he started fooling around like he was going to get on the bus and go to school too.   Or at least I thought he was.  I stopped holding him back as the bus started pulling away and he started running after the bus like a puppy.   Then he started crying as he walked back, wailing... I WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL TOO!!!!!   Awww poor thing.   Liz has the day off and is making his day a fun one.  They've already gone for a walk down to Billy's pond, taken showers to wash off any poison ivy oils, had tortilla pizzas and are now enjoying Kung Fu Panda for the umpteenth time.  (yes, it's 1:14 now)

Today is Carrie's last regular day of the GED program.  She takes the actual test all day tomorrow and Wednesday.  I think she'll find out if she passed before she leaves on Wed.    She brought home a packet to join a summer program but arrived in the middle of the presentation for it.  I think it's for a summer training and employment program.  She'll find out more.  I know I don't want to be driving her to the small city every day for it but we'll see whether I do or not, especially after I find out more about it.

Well let's see what I can get done on my todo list in the next 2 hours before I have to leave again.    Hope your day is a good one.






     

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Ok, still sitting

And I finally got my phone to send a picture to an email addy. (said mine wasn't a valid address grrrr)

Here's a cute one that Olivia (I think) took after we'd finished cleaning Sean and Danielle's room.....



I'll have to get on the other computer to see if I can find any other pictures to share.  This computer doesn't have a card slot and the monitor usually displays everything in a blue or red hue, so not good for photo editing.

Oh and I found my camera......IN THE COUCH!!!  And wouldn't you know it, it's showing a lens error message is unusable right now.  GRRRR!  

Aahhh a day at home

I lucked out this week, Liz and Val both had the same days off....Monday and Wednesday.   On Monday I ended up running Eileen and Olivia somewhere and going to the small city anyways (stupid Redbox!).  Today though, I have no choice but to stay home, Drew has borrowed the car for the day and the van still isn't working.    I have big plans for the day but not sure where to start, so I'm stalling here.

Easter brunch was very nice.   Michelle came over very early in the morning and hid plastic Easter eggs with Val.   She also brought over lots of yummy fruit, orange juice and chocolate milk which was a bigger hit then the Easter baskets. lol   I had almost everything done when I said it would be but forgot about the boxes of brown and serve sausage just before serving.  So there was a small delay.   After everyone stuffed their faces they went outside to have an Easter egg hunt.   I admit, I skipped out on that one feeling only a teeny tiny bit guilty.  I used the time to sit down and drink a cup of coffee and relax, it had been a really busy morning.   I then grabbed a steak knife and the thrift store angora sweater I had dyed with the leftover Easter egg dye and headed outside to join everyone and enjoy the beautiful day.   You're probably thinking......WHAT were you doing with the steak knife and a sweater?.  I know a few of my older kids who aren't around much to see my madness were.  I was starting to reclaim the yarn from the sweater    It's a way to get expensive yarn for dirt cheap prices.  It's also a cheap way to have fun and experiment with  kool aid and food coloring.  I like to do it outside, especially the fluffier yarns because deconstructing can put lots of loose fibers in the air and it stirs up my allergies.

Most of the older kids left in the early afternoon for celebrations on the other side of the family.   Drew and Allison came back over to visit until Meghan graced us with a major blowout in the diaper department.   Unfortunately Allison had already used the extra diaper cover on a previous messy diaper so it left us a bit exposed to a possible wet diaper in the future.   Then Allison and I had the brilliant idea to convert a plastic grocery bag into a cover!  We made holes in the bottom of the bag for Meghan's legs and Allison tied the handles around her middle.    Drew decided it was probably a better idea to just head home anyways.   I couldn't help but think, in a few weeks they will be home!  Yes, it is official....they will be moving in by the end of the month.

That being said, I need to get off my rear end and start getting things in order and make room for them.  My mind keeps trying to trick me and jump into...What time is it!?!  Is it time to go out the door yet?  mode.  Only to remember...I'm not stepping foot out the door today!  Have a good one.